Class: College Prep Biology
Unit: “Genetics”
Topic: DNA extraction lab


Instructional Objectives: Students should be able to…
  • Students will extract DNA from the cells of strawberries
  • Students will make predictions on the outcome of the experiment
  • Students will make inferences on how the processes occurred in the experiment
Opening:
"With everything that we have learned about DNA over the past few days, I feel that it is now time to see DNA in person. Today we will be extracting DNA from the cells of strawberries to get a first hand look at it. "


Time:
Activity
9:00-9:10
9:11-9:14
9:15-9:20

9:20-9:50
I will review the previous days lesson and notes
I will explain to students the lab procedures
Students will work in pairs and collect the materials that they need along with their corresponding lab reports
Students will conduct the lab


Assignment:
  • Students will extract DNA from strawberries
  • Students will fill out a lab report

Activity Materials Needed:
  • Self sealing plastic freezer bags
  • Ripe strawberries
  • Detergent solution
  • 25-mL graduated cylinder
  • Cheesecloth
  • Funnel
  • Test tube and rack
  • Stirring rod
  • Chilled ethanol

Resources Needed:
http://gemsclub.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/StrawberryDNAExtra.4395135.pdf

Closing:
"Please fill out your lab reports on our experiment if you have not already done so. I will close this lesson by saying that DNA is a valuable key to life on this Earth. However, as we have seen through our experiment, DNA is fragile and can be easily effected by environmental factors."